Here at Automobile Magazine, we adore sports cars, hot coupes, and steroidal sedans. But real life reminds us that such dream cars aren't always suitable when there are family members to be toted, mulch to be moved, rough roads to traverse, and bad weather to battle.

That's where the newest member of our Four Seasons fleet - the Subaru Outback 3.6R Premium - comes in. It's not as fast as our 4S Nissan GT-R or as flashy as our BMW 750Li, but the Outback should provide excellent utility and versatility, not to mention comfort. Our top-of-the-line Outback has a $35,541 price tag, a full $11,851 more than the most basic Outback model, the manual-transmission 2.5i. Our 3.6R's tariff includes $3851 worth of options. The priciest package adds a moonroof, voice-activated navigation, a backup camera, an auxiliary audio input, and Bluetooth audio streaming - all for a steep $2995. We also added Sirius satellite radio ($461), an auto-dim mirror/compass and security-system shock sensor ($326), and all-weather floor mats ($69).

Some of those in our office might have preferred a turbocharged Legacy wagon like our lovely 2005-model Four Seasons example. But when Subaru redesigned the Legacy/Outback for 2010, the company chose to separate the models, so the Legacy is now offered exclusively as a sedan while the taller, more rugged fourth-generation Outback comes only as a wagon.

Will the Outback's higher ride height hobble its handling abilities? Or will we fall in love with its ruddy Subie spirit? We'll keep you updated throughout the next twelve months with our 2010 Outback.

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